"I still feel India can do it" - Aakash Chopra on visitors' chances of winning BGT 2024-25 4th Test

Aakash Chopra reckons India can register a win in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 fourth Test. However, he acknowledged that a few dropped catches in Australia's second innings have made the visitors' task more difficult.

Australia ended Day 4 (Sunday, December 29) of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne at 228/9 in their second innings. They have a 333-run lead heading into the final day, with Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland unbeaten at the crease.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel 'Aakash Chopra', the former India opener opined that the visitors can pull off a win while virtually ruling out a draw.

"Where will the match go from here? That's a very, very big question. The tail has troubled us. If we had taken our chances, we would have had to chase a score less than 250. Removing the tail is an art and it is a slight problem. Let's be very honest, the job is difficult with the old Kookaburra ball," he said (11:45).

"A draw is also a possibility because 300-plus runs will be required in 90-odd overs. There is a possibility that you play 90 overs and don't score that many runs. However, I don't think this match will be a draw unless it rains, which it won't. I still feel India can do it," Chopra added.

The game will start half an hour early on the final day, as was the case on Sunday, due to time lost on Day 3 because of rain. It remains to be seen whether Pat Cummins declares Australia's second innings overnight and leaves Rohit Sharma and company with a 334-run target in potentially 98 overs.

---

"It will be crucial how Yashasvi Jaiswal starts" - Aakash Chopra

Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 82 runs before being run out in India's first innings. [P/C: Getty]

In the same video, Aakash Chopra opined that Yashasvi Jaiswal will be one of the crucial players for India.

"If you keep this Australian bowling attack on the ground for 30-40 overs, the cracks start showing up, but the cracks are also showing on the pitch. A slight uneven bounce is being seen. So it's not going to be easy. It will be crucial how Yashasvi Jaiswal starts," he said.

The cricketer-turned-commentator also reflected on the other key batters in India's lineup.

"KL Rahul will take his time but he is that Cheteshwar Pujara-type glue. Rishabh Pant can play that kind of knock. He had broken Gabba's pride. He was there till the end. Then Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy. I am revolving around them and if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli can contribute a little," Chopra elaborated.

Chopra expects Virat Kohli to play a substantial knock if India's top order plays out the new ball.

"Virat Kohli can actually contribute. Rohit also can, there is no doubt about that. I want 25 overs of the game to lapse and then Kohli gets his turn. Kohli will dig deep because he is hurt. So I am extremely confident and hopeful. A miracle can happen," he observed.

Kohli scored 36 runs off 86 deliveries in India's first innings. He seemed to have lost his concentration as he nicked Scott Boland to Alex Carey behind the wickets soon after being involved in a mix-up with Jaiswal that led to the opener's dismissal.